The HIV Institute Discovery Fund
Advancing HIV Science and Equity Amid Funding Challenges
At UC San Diego’s HIV Institute, we are steadfast in our mission to advance science and care in the fight against HIV. Through groundbreaking research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep commitment to community, we strive to end the HIV epidemic and improve health outcomes for all.
The Current Funding Landscape
Recent developments have introduced significant challenges to HIV/AIDS research funding. Substantial cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are proposed, potentially reducing its discretionary budget by over 30%. This includes proposed reductions in funding for HIV/AIDS programs, which could impact research, prevention, and treatment efforts nationwide. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has terminated funding for numerous HIV-related research grants. These cuts have raised concerns among scientists about the potential reversal of decades of progress in HIV prevention and treatment.
How Your Contribution Makes a Difference
In this challenging funding environment, your support is more critical than ever. Here's how your contribution can make a lasting impact:
- Accelerate Discovery:
- Fund innovative research projects that deepen our understanding of HIV pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment — ranging from vaccine development and cure strategies to novel long-acting therapeutics. Your support empowers bold science that can change the trajectory of the epidemic.
- Fuel Innovation:
- Support the expansion of our research infrastructure, including core facilities that provide advanced virology, immunology, and data science capabilities. These resources are essential for translating discoveries from bench to bedside.
- Train the Next Generation of HIV Leaders:
- Invest in the future by funding scholarships, fellowships, and mentorship programs that support emerging scientists, clinicians, and public health leaders dedicated to ending HIV. Together, we can build an innovative and committed HIV workforce.
- Drive Rapid Response to Emerging Threats:
- Enable us to respond swiftly to new infectious disease challenges, including HIV co-infections and global pandemics, by funding flexible infrastructure that supports real-time data collection, surveillance, and clinical trial readiness.
Your support powers a global mission — advancing equity, driving innovation, and bringing us closer to a world free of HIV. Make a gift today!